A/N: Starts late August 28th and goes all the way through August 29th.

Reviews:

riverkirby: I don't think he knows for sure, but he might suspect. He probably assumes Audrey has contact with her regardless of where she is and that is also the reason for his attraction to Audrey. What he thought was an attraction to a young girl was actually an attraction to her connection with his love. He is going to be finding out soon though. Oh and questions are more than welcome. Don't be sorry.

Disclaimer: Nothing has changed in the last few hours, I still don't own Power Rangers, keep checking though.

Chapter Six: The Birthday From Hell

Evans Home, Angel Grove, CA

Talk to Kimberly, talk to Kimberly. Those words ran through her mind continuously after Audrey's talk with Tommy. That was all anyone ever told her here. Talk to Kimberly. "If I hear one more person say that, I'm going to scream!" She said out loud to her empty bedroom. "What if I don't want to talk to Kimberly?" She knew she would have to one day. She would have to tell Kimberly she was quitting. This was a conversation she dreaded though. She knew Kimberly wasn't going to be happy. Disappointed was probably the better word. She curled up in her bed and fell into a fitful sleep.

Early the Next Morning

Audrey woke up and looked at the alarm clock. 5:29. Wee, one more minute until I'm seventeen. She thought sarcastically. Her birthdays never meant anything. Well, back in Orlando they did. Back in Orlando, her group of friends would go shopping on birthdays. This made up about eight of their mall trips annually, though they went several other times as well. Prom dress shopping even before they were old enough to go to prom. Breakups were always greeted by seven girls eager to take the broken hearted girl out for a day of shopping. Audrey wouldn't get her birthday mall trip in this year. This was the first realization that hit her. The alarm went off. It was officially 5:30 AM. She rolled over and turned off her alarm clock. Waking up at 5:30 on August 29th was a tradition Audrey started when she first came across her birth certificate at the age of seven.

She slowly got to her feet and began her stretches. Once she finished her stretches, she walked over to her dresser. She picked out a pink skirt and a white top. Once dressed she picked up her pink scrunchie and put her hair back into a ponytail. Her cell phone rang. She walked over to her desk and picked it up. "Hello?" She asked.

"Happy birthday, Audrey!" Mallory and Alana both chorused.

She couldn't resist smiling. Her two best friends remembered her birthday even if she wasn't there. "Do you ladies have any idea what time it is?" She asked.

"Yep, six o'clock." Mallory said with a smile, glad she was able to do the math to get the time right.

Audrey nodded, still smiling, but sounding irritated. "Yes, six." She said. "Why would you call me at six?" She knew the answer, of course. She just liked messing with them. They knew her annual wake up tradition as well as she did.

"Because we knew you would be up at five-thirty." Alana said, matter-of-factly.

"And why aren't you in school, young lady?" Audrey said, teasingly. She and Alana were the same age and the same year in high school, but she still liked the fact that Alana was supposed to be in school now and she still had an hour and a half.

"Because I wanted to call you, but before school was too early." Alana said with a smirk that Audrey could hear in her voice.

Mallory laughed. "Yeah, our poor Alana has fallen very ill today."

Alana faked a realistic sounding cough.

Audrey forced a laugh and surprisingly enough, she didn't get questioned on it. "Well, you may be skipping school today, Alana, but I'm not. So I better get ready."

The three girls said their goodbyes and Audrey ended the call before tossing her phone in her backpack.

She walked downstairs and was greeted by the smell of breakfast on the stove. Two days in a row? Could it be? She put her backpack down on the couch and walked into the kitchen. It was empty, but there was a note on the table.

Audrey,

We wanted to be here this morning when you woke up, but we had to go into the office early again. We're really sorry, but we will be here to pick you up for dinner about six-thirty or seven. Breakfast is cooked and on the stove.

Love,

Mom and Dad

P.S. Happy Birthday, sweetheart

Audrey rolled her eyes. "We'll see about that." She said sarcastically as she walked over to the stove and began filling her plate. She didn't feel like eating, but she knew she had to.

After eating, she began the walk up to Angel Grove High School to begin another day of classes.

Youth Center

Billy walked into the youth center, hoping in vain to see Trini where she was yesterday. He hadn't thought to get an address or phone number from her. Of course, had he thought to, he was sure he wouldn't have had the guts to do so. Why do you have to be so shy, Cranston? It's natural to ask a friend, especially a good friend for their phone number. He walked over to the empty table and sat down, maybe she would show up.

Jason's Dojo

Trini had gotten a call from Jason early that morning to meet him here. She wasn't sure why though. She walked in and nodded to Jason.

"Hey Trin." He said, walking over and pulling her into a hug.

"Hey Jase." She said, hugging her friend back. "What did you need?"

He led her into his office and closed the door. He turned to face Trini. "He likes you a lot, you know."

Trini looked at Jason confused. "Who?"

Jason rolled his eyes and walked around to sit behind his desk. "Billy."

Trini laughed. There was no way Billy Cranston liked her. "As a friend, maybe."

"You two really are blind. The whole team used to talk about it. We used to have bets going on when you two would finally get the hint and hook up. I'm still good on mine for now, but you better get together soon."

"Are you serious?" Trini asked, sitting down.

"We talked about you yesterday, Trin. He's just too shy to ask you."

Trini bit her lip. All she had wanted the whole time she knew Billy was for him to ask her out, show a little interest even. "Really?"

"You know Billy's shy, would it surprise you if he was too shy to ask a friend out? You two have always been close and to the rest of us, it was obvious you liked one another. You knew you did. He knew he did. But you were both too shy to act on it."

Trini nodded. She would have never told Billy her feelings back then. Could she now? Even with this piece of information? "I'll admit I like him. I have for a long time."

"I know."

"I don't even know where to contact him."

"If all else fails, check the youth center."

Trini nodded, wondering if Billy and Jason had discussed this as well.

Outside of Angel Grove High

Tommy pulled back into the parking lot of the high school after taking his lunch break. He had about ten more minutes before his next class. He turned off the car and sat back looking at the school building. This building held many memories for him and sometimes it was hard to keep his cool. Sometimes he wondered why he left Reefside for Angel Grove and at other times he knew very well. He wanted to run into Kimberly but he wanted to avoid her all at the same time. His heart was broken, still, after all these years, but he loved her. He had so many questions he considered asking Audrey. Where she was. If she was married. How she was doing in general. Everytime he thought he would ask her, he stopped. He was scared of the answers.

He finally opened his car door and got out. Something caught his eye. The building that had been closed for years had people standing in front of it. They were putting a sign up. He couldn't read the sign now, but curiousity got the better of him. He stood by his car and watched the workers put the sign up. His eyes went wide when he finally saw the lettering.

Kimberly Hart's Gymnastics Studio.

Youth Center

Trini Kwan walked into the youth center. She smiled. Sure enough, Billy was there. She walked over to the same table they sat at the previous day. The same table the entire group once sat at. She snuck up behind him and covered his eyes with her hands.

"Trini!" He exclaimed and turned around to hug her. He felt the same electricity that he didn't know she felt the previous day.

She hugged him back and took the seat next to him. "Hey there." She said. "How did you know?"

"I would know those hands anywhere." He smiled.

She smiled back.

As Billy watched her, he thought he detected hints of a blush. Could Jason be right?

Trini thought she heard some meaning behind his words. Could Jason be right?

Little did they know, they were both thinking the same thing. "So, Trini." Billy said. "It's been a long time."

Trini laughed. "Since yesterday?" She asked.

Billy shook his head. "Before yesterday."

"Oh, yeah, it has." Trini said, nodding.

"You were probably my closest friend from the group and the one who understood me the most." Billy said, smiling.

Trini bit back a sarcastic comment about being his translator. She always wanted to be more than someone who understood his words, she wanted to be someone who understood him, the person behind the brain.

"Anyway, I think we should get together and catch up sometime." Billy said. "As friends." He added, to clarify that he wasn't trying to push a date on her. Though I really wouldn't mind a date.

Friends. Trini thought sarcastically. Yes, that's exactly what I want. To be friends. "Sure, it sounds like a good idea." She said brightly.

"Great." Billy smiled. "And do you mind if I get your number? Chancing a meeting at the youth center worked today, but it might not always work."

Trini nodded and pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down a number. "My cell number, you should be able to reach me whereever I am."

He took the paper and smiled. "Great, thanks." He wrote down his own phone number and handed it to her.

Angel Grove High

Tommy couldn't get that image out of his mind. Kimberly is here. He thought. In Angel Grove and she teaches just down the street from where I teach. He wasn't sure how well he was going to handle this. Going back to Reefside sounded like a really good idea right about now. He walked distractedly into class. This was going to be an interesting day.

Audrey sat in her normal seat in the front row, in her hands, she held the picture of her and James. Without gymnastics she had nothing left here. She could easily talk her parents into letting her go back to Orlando. Would James still be interested? She had toyed with this thought over the past couple of days. All she had to tell her parents was that she had a huge crush on a teacher and it was affecting her schoolwork. Nevermind the fact that her crush was gone and replaced by feelings for her ex and nevermind the fact that nothing was interfering with her schoolwork. Her parents didn't need to know those little details though.

Tommy watched the girl for what seemed like ages. He had more questions than he had at lunch, but he couldn't ask them. He was still far too scared. She seemed upset anyway. Was it still gymnastics? He finally walked to the chalkboard and began writing something. This brought most of the students attention to him, but not all. Not Audrey's. She still gazed longingly at the photograph. A year ago today. She thought sadly. We got together a year ago today.

"Miss Evans." Tommy said, bringing her back from her thoughts.

"Yes, sir?" She asked, feeling slightly embarassed.

"Before we get started, is there anything you would like to tell the class?" He asked. "You don't have to if you don't wish to, it's your choice."

She glanced at him curiously. She had heard teachers say that when people were caught passing notes or talking, but never looking at pictures. "Sorry, I was off in my memories." She said softly, putting her photograph back in her notebook.

"I mean about today."

He knows? How does he know? "Oh..." Audrey said, biting her lip. "No, that's okay." She really didn't need the class singing happy birthday to her. It was far from a happy one.

He nodded and began his lesson.

The Parker Sisters' House, Orlando, FL

"I'm bored!" Alana whined at her sister.

Mallory laughed. "Your fault for skipping school."

"But school is over, can I at least go to the mall?"

"No, you're too sick to go to school so you're too sick to go to the mall."

"You sound like mom and dad." Alana pouted. "It's unbecoming."

Mallory laughed. "Sucks to be you."

Alana sighed. "Fine." She went to her bedroom and fell back on her bed. She stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours.

Angel Grove High

"Audrey." Tommy said as he dismissed class. "Can I see you for a moment please."

Audrey sighed and finished packing up her things and walked over to the desk. "Yes, sir?"

Once the last student was gone, he spoke. "First off, I wanted to say happy birthday."

"Oh yeah, real happy." Audrey said sarcastically.

Tommy looked at her, concerned. "Second I wanted to know if there was anything you wanted to talk about."

Audrey shrugged. "You already know about gymnastics, and yes, I'm still quitting."

Tommy shrugged. "That's your decision. However, have you talked to Kimberly?"

"No."

He nodded. "And what about that thing you were staring at before I interrupted you. It looked like more than just random memories."

Audrey sighed and took a seat. "I still have feelings for an ex." She said softly. "The problem is, he's across the country." She didn't continue to say that she had thoughts of moving back just for him.

Tommy nodded. Sounded familiar. Very familiar. "What do you think you're going to do about it?"

Audrey shrugged. "What would you do?"

Squirm and avoid her and hope one day we might be once again? Tommy thought to himself. "I don't know what I would do, but I hope you figure it out." He gave her an encouraging smile.

"Anyway, I better go, I have a phone call to make, then dinner with my parents." If they show.

"Bye Audrey."

"Bye." She walked out the room and toward her locker. She had just stopped at her locker and was putting in the combination when someone bumped into her.

"Sorry." Came a masculine voice. "Are you okay?"

Audrey had fallen to the ground and she looked up to see a friendly and very attractive guy with his hand extended. She took his hand and let him help her up. "I'm fine, thanks." She couldn't stop looking at him.

"I'm Alex." He said to her. "I'm new here."

She laughed. "Me too, third day."

He nodded. "First for me." He noticed she had been crying. "Are you sure you're not hurt or anything?" He asked, but the tear streaks looked a little older.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you upset about something?"

"I'll be fine."

He nodded. "Okay, well if you change your mind." He wrote something down and handed the paper to her, walking off.

After he walked off, she read the paper. It had his name and phone number.

Rebuilt Moon Palace

Lord Zedd had recently been returned to his evil state and rebuilt his palace. He was trying to get new followers and find some of his old ones. He had a few minions he had come across along the way, but he wanted a powerful army. One that would defeat the Power Rangers once and for all.

"I want her." Zedd said.

"Who?" One of his minions asked.

"The girl talking to the Triforian."

The minion nodded, showing he saw which girl he was talking about. "Why do you want her?"

He gave a cruel smile to the minion. "That's for me to know now and you to know later."

The minion nodded once again and walked away.

Evans Home

Audrey glanced at the clock. Seven-thirty and still no parents, still no call. She sighed as she turned back over. She should have known. She did know, but she had hoped at least one good thing would happen to her today.

Nine o'clock and she finally heard cars pull up. She went down to the living room and sat on the couch. Alyssa Evans walked in first, followed by Robert. "Hello sweetheart." Alyssa said, walking over to her daughter and giving her a hug. "Happy birthday."

Audrey nodded. "Thanks." She said, hugging her mom back, waiting for the excuse.

Robert walked over and hugged Audrey next. "Happy birthday, princess."

Audrey hugged him back as well, repeating her thanks.

"We're really sorry for not being here to take you to dinner." Alyssa said.

"It's fine." Audrey said shrugging. You got held up at the office.

"We got held up at the office." Robert said, handing her a card. "I hope this helps."

I knew it, same excuse and money. She forced a smile. "Thanks, mom. Thanks, dad. She walked outside and sat on the porch swing, crying.

Alex was walking down the street when he heard a girl crying. He walked up to the stranger's porch. "Are you alright?" He asked the girl.

Audrey lifted her head and Alex saw it was the girl he had seen earlier. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

He looked at her with concern. "You said that earlier. I didn't believe you then and I won't believe you now."

She shrugged. He sat next to her. "Talk to me."

Audrey explained the whole gymnastics problem and then the issue with the gift card. Alex nodded understandingly as he listenened.

Audrey choked back more tears as she finished and he gave her a hug.

Jason walked up to the house to see how Audrey was doing. He saw the two and tried to walk away. "Hey Jason." She said, wiping away a couple of tears.

"I'll see you at school, tomorrow." Alex smiled and walked off.

Audrey nodded. "Seeya."

Jason walked up onto the porch and sat down. "You don't look too well."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "Thanks."

"I mean, you look upset."

She nodded. "I knew what you meant."

"Want to talk?"

She shrugged and explained the stories again.

"I don't think your parents mean to do that."

Audrey shrugged. "It doesn't matter if they mean to or not, they still do it."

Jason nodded. "I know. Have you talked to Kimberly about quitting?"

Audrey sighed. "No."

"You should."

She shrugged.

Audrey's Bedroom

After talking to Jason, Audrey left a letter on her desk and climbed out her window into the cool night. No one would notice she was gone at lesat until 8, most likely later, so she had a while to get somewhere before her parents put on some elaborate facade and sent out a search party.

Mom and Dad,

I know you meant well, but I'm not the daughter for you. I want parents who can be there and care when I slip off the balance beam, help me through a crush, care that I hate that you moved me away from everything I've ever known. Parents who keep promises and don't give me some elaborate amount of money everytime they disappoint me. I want parents who don't disappoint me on a daily basis. I may never find these parents, I may be on the own for the rest of my life, all I know is I can't be here. I honestly do love you guys, and I will miss you.

Please tell the following people I love them and I'm sorry: Kim, Jason, Tommy

Love always,

Audrey Julianne Evans

She walked off, not really knowing where she was going, not really caring. Just getting away. She hoped to eventually get to Orlando, but she wasn't sure when that would be. While she was walking, a red guy appeared in front of her.

"Hello, Audrey." The red guy said to her.

"Um hi? Who are you and how do you know my name?"

"I am Lord Zedd, Emporer of Evil." He told her.

This was just too freaky. "And what do you want?"

"You to join me."

"Right." Audrey said sarcastically. "What exactly do you want with a seventeen year old girl?"

"If you join me, you will be happy and all of those who have hurt you will suffer."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She said simply. "Why me?"

"Because you're special, Audrey." He told her.

"Special? How?"

"Ask your friends. I'll come back to you another time." He disappeared.

Friends? What friends? Mallory and Alana? Or Kim, Tommy and Jason? She was so confused by this, she went back home and threw the letter away. She decided she would talk to the three people she met who seem to be good friends with one another. Would they know about this Lord Zedd guy?

A/N: Wee, finally finished with another chapter. Let me know what you think. Lots of reviews please!